Market Access
Forest products manufactured in the U.S. are often placed at a disadvantage in domestic and international markets that favor competing products. Restrictions that discriminate against our products may be imposed at the state, local, national, or international level and include:
Non-tariff Barriers
Non-tariff Barriers (NTBs) are obstacles to exports (see Tariffs page for information on tariffs as barriers to trade). Examples of NTBs include import quotas, government subsidies for domestic forest products industries, building codes, discriminatory technical standards, licensing restrictions, tax policies, discriminatory packaging or use standards (Full story).
Content Requirements
Content guidelines describe minimum amounts of recovered fiber that would be used in making specific new products like copy paper. All clean paper currently being recovered for recycling is being used to make some form of new product. Forcing recovered fiber into specific products through content guidelines means that less recycled paper can be used in other products, like tissue, newsprint and paperboard. Using recovered fiber in the products where it is most efficient will help recycling in the long run because it allows for the best use of the paper we all work to recycle. (Full story).
Extended Producer Responsibility
'Extended producer responsibility' (EPR) is defined as an extension of a producer's responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products and packaging throughout the entire product life cycle -- and especially for their take-back, recycling and disposal. AF&PA opposes EPR proposals. (Full Story)
Competing Materials
Forest products are derived from a high quality, sustainable and recycled resource. AF&PA members compete head to head with other materials like petroleum based plastic bags, crates and bottles. One of AF&PA's priorities is to generate opportunities for our members to compete successfully in any market. (Full story).
United States Postal Service
Over ten million tons of paper is distributed through the Postal Service each year. Due to a loss in volume of mail, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is experiencing a loss in revenue forcing them to increase postal rates. These increased postal rates make it difficult for the forest products industry to compete. The USPS is currently working on a Transformation Plan to reform the USPS. AF&PA is working to see that the forest products industry is an active participant in the future of the USPS. (Full story).
There are several issues affecting the pulp and paper industry. Here are some of the most important:
Related Links
Policy Issues
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